FOOD lovers should head to Ascot Farmers' Market this Sunday morning (September 18), just in time for British Food Fortnight.

The two-week event, which kicks off the day before and runs until October 1, aims to showcase the high-quality, nutritious and affordable food that comes direct from farmers in the area.

Visitors to the market will be able to pick up only the freshest products available in season.

There will be a huge choice of meat and poultry on offer including corn fed chickens, Dexter beef and Tamworth pork and lamb, as well as homemade pies with local game and beef and ale.

Local honey, eggs and fresh fish will also be on sale, as well as a range of breads from specialities such as pumpernickel rye to more traditional bloomers.

Indian street caterer The Travelling Tikki will be serving Indian snacks with a twist including vegetarian patties and fritters.

Meanwhile, White Lodge Farm will be cooking up hot breakfast rolls from their prime cuts of bacon. They will also be offering natural skinned gluten free sausages and pork burgers with English tea.

Guests will be free to sit under the gazebo, relax amongst the Union Jack bunting and listen to the dulcet tones of Vicki Sayers playing live.

Claudine Andrew, manager of Ascot and Windsor Farmers' Market, stressed both the financial and health benefits of eating in season.

She said: "It makes such economic sense to buy seasonally as fruit and vegetables are sold more cheaply when in abundance. 

"Foods in season additionally contain the nutrients, minerals and elements that our bodies need at particular times of the year.

"For example, British Food Fortnight marks the shift from summer to winter and the fruit and vegetables that are coming into season, such as butternut squash and apples which are packed with vitamin C to boost our resistance to winter colds."

The market takes place at Car Park 3 at the racecourse in High Street, Ascot.

For more information email Claudine at ascotwindsormanager@hotmail.com